Carl Crawford's 2012 Red Sox debut is here at last

Associated PressBoston Red Sox's Carl Crawford will play left field Monday night against the White Sox.

BOSTON - Batting second and playing left field, Carl Crawford.

Finally.

Back from a disappointing 2011 season that was followed by wrist surgery and elbow problems, Crawford was activated by the Red Sox to play against the Chicago White Sox Monday night.

"I'm just happy to be playing a big league game. I'll try to add what I normally do, a little speed and a little defense,'' Crawford said.

Crawford said he was excited to be hitting near the top of the order, as he did in his All-Star years at Tampa Bay. Last year, a low batting average (.255 at the finish) caused Crawford to spend almost all year in the lower half of the order, where he conceded he was not comfortable and where it was less practical for him to run.

"I've got to be ready to hit anywhere. I don't know about having to prove anything, but I want to prove to myself I can still play this game at a high level,'' he said.

Crawford has the green light to run whenever he wants. There are still concerns about his elbow, but he is not dwelling on them or overly concerned about a new injury, he said.

He hopes to be an everyday player. Manager Bobby Valentine hopes so, too, but said he would monitor Crawford's physical status closely.

Batting him second was "a no-brainer,'' Valentine said, but not because of Crawford's past history.

Valentine said previous left fielder Daniel Nava was batting second, and that inserting Crawford there caused the least disruption.

To make room for Crawford on the roster, the Red Sox designated Brent Lillibridge for assignment. The move comes on the night Kevin Youkilis returned to Boston.

Lillibridge and minor league pitcher Zach Stewart were obtained for Youkilis on June 24. Lillibridge's exit means that Adrian Gonzalez' backups at first base include David Ortiz, Nick Punto and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Valentine said.

The manager said he would consider moving Ortiz out of the DH spot if a mid-game move was needed. That can't be discounted as Gonzalez' back has been aching lately.

If such a move were made, Boston would lose the DH and the pitcher would have to hit. Punto has played the other three infield spots but has been taking grounders at first base, and Saltalamacchia, a catcher, has brief experience at the position.